Monday, May 14, 2007
Legarda tops senatorial race
Comelec's Final and Official top 12 senatorial tally
As of Jun 11 2007 1:00 pm
1. Legarda, Loren (GO) 18,069,466
2. Escudero, Francis Joseph (GO) 17,858,416
3. Lacson, Panfilo (GO) 15,261,999
4. Villar, Manuel Jr (GO) 15,004,714
5. Pangilinan, Francis (IND) 14,229,449
6. Aquino, Benigno Simeon III (GO) 14,052,166
7. Angara, Edgardo (TU) 12,187,225
8. Cayetano, Alan Peter (GO) 11,560,083
9. Arroyo, Joker (TU) 11,381,206
10. Honasan, Gregorio (IND) 11,343,606
11. Trillanes, Antonio IV (GO) 10,977,680
12. Pimentel, Aquilino III (GO) 10,656,050
13. Zubiri, Juan Miguel (TU) 10,542,036
14. Recto, Ralph (TU) 10,272,111
15. Defensor, Michael (TU) 9,558,270
16. Pichay, Prospero Jr (TU) 9,324,326
17. Roco, Sonia (GO) 8,338,066
18. Montano, Cesar (TU) 7,513,186
19. Sotto, Vicente III (TU) 7,251,819
20. Osmena, John Henry (GO) 7,141,404
21. Magsaysay, Vicente (TU) 6,135,582
22. Coseteng, Anna Dominique (GO) 5,203,731
23. Oreta, Teresa (TU) 4,168,248
24. Singson, Luis (TU) 4,041,043
25. Gomez, Richard (IND) 2,656,945
26. Kiram III, Jamalul (TU) 2,161,347
27. Chavez, Melchor (KBL) 824,549
28. Bautista Martin (AK) 750,191
29. Paredes, Zosimo Jesus II (AK) 699,592
30. Cayetano, Joselito (KBL) 495,797
31. Sison, Adrian (AK) 394,117
32. Lozano, Oliver (KBL) 296,416
34. Estrella, Antonio (KBL) 278,563
35. Wood, Victor (KBL) 274,381
36. Cantal, Felix (PGRP) 117,459
37. Orpilla, Eduardo (KBL) 99,966
38. Enciso, Ruben (KBL) 94,434
Bagamasbad tops Bicol Open Chess
Journal Online May 10, 2007 10:19 PM Thursday
NATIONAL master Efren Bagamasbad outclassed Renante Aureada in the final round to capture the title in the 2007 Bicol Open chess championship held last May 5-7 at the People’s Hall, Capitol Bldg. in Legaspi, Albay.
Bagamasbad finished with eight points to pocket the top prize of P30,000 and a finely-crafted trophy.
NMs Ronald Llavanes and Celestino Cain finished in a two-way tie for second to third places with 7.5 points and share the combined cash prizes of P35,000.
Llavanes, however, bagged the runner-up prize by virtue of a higher tiebreak score.
Tied for fourth to fifth places with 6.5 points were Raul Fernandez and Roldan Llavanes, who earned P9,000 each.
Sixth to 10th placers were Enrique Moreno, Artuz Glenn, Renante Aureada, Roger Pesimo and Angel Cordero. The five had similar scores of six points and earned P3,200 each.
This event was organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Albay, through provincial sports coordinator Rustom Bustamante.
The tournament started with the elimination rounds held from March 17-April 16 in different provinces of the Bicol Region with the top 10 placers qualifying for the grand finals.
Journal Online May 10, 2007 10:19 PM Thursday
NATIONAL master Efren Bagamasbad outclassed Renante Aureada in the final round to capture the title in the 2007 Bicol Open chess championship held last May 5-7 at the People’s Hall, Capitol Bldg. in Legaspi, Albay.
Bagamasbad finished with eight points to pocket the top prize of P30,000 and a finely-crafted trophy.
NMs Ronald Llavanes and Celestino Cain finished in a two-way tie for second to third places with 7.5 points and share the combined cash prizes of P35,000.
Llavanes, however, bagged the runner-up prize by virtue of a higher tiebreak score.
Tied for fourth to fifth places with 6.5 points were Raul Fernandez and Roldan Llavanes, who earned P9,000 each.
Sixth to 10th placers were Enrique Moreno, Artuz Glenn, Renante Aureada, Roger Pesimo and Angel Cordero. The five had similar scores of six points and earned P3,200 each.
This event was organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Albay, through provincial sports coordinator Rustom Bustamante.
The tournament started with the elimination rounds held from March 17-April 16 in different provinces of the Bicol Region with the top 10 placers qualifying for the grand finals.
So, Salvador capture national junior titles
By NCFP Reporter, 11 May 2007
Final standings
Boys
8.5 points - Wesley So
7.5 - K. Yap, J de Ramos
7.0 - L. Magdalaga, I. Biag, K. Ochoa, J. Turqueza, A. Delfin
6.5 - Richielieu Salcedo Emmanuel John Salazar Lehi Dan Laceste Joseph Mercado James Ryan Fernandez
Girls
8.0 points – A.Salvador
7.0 - J. Fronda, C. Guiang, M. Dimakiling
6.5 - Y.Jose, C. Bernales, J. Docena
6.0 - Z. Dela Cruz, E. Tumbos, C. Mendoza, A. Montales, K. Cunanan, A. Ibanez, C. Anabieza, R. Guerra, M. Suede
GM-candidate Wesley So made chess history by becoming the youngest-ever champion in the 2007 National Junior Chess Championship which came to a fitting end at the Marketplace Shopping Center in Mandaluyong City.
So, who is hoping to become the country’s youngest GM at age 13, outsteadied little-known James Bulicatin in a rook and bishop endgame to capture the championship in this prestigious competition organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) led by president and Team Unity senatorial candidate Rep. Prospero “Butch” Pichay and secretary-general and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
The incoming second year student of St. Francis of Assisi College-Bacoor, who handled the black side of a Queen’s Indian Opening, outwitted the Davao-based Bulicatin and turned a one-pawn edge in the tense endgame to a rousing victory.
Overall, So finished with eight wins and one draw against Julius Joseph de Ramos of NCAA champion Letran College in the eighth round.
It was So’s first national junior title, adding it to his earlier National Open triumph last December.
He also pocketed the top prize of P15,000 and trophy.
“Nakuha ko po sa tiyaga sa endgame. Lamang na kasi ako ng isang pawn at may dalawa pang passed pawns,” said So, who is also best remembered for winning the gold medal in the recent Asian Cities chess team championship held in Tehran, Iran.
De Ramos and Kim Steven Yap of Cebu emerged tied for second to third places with 7.5 points each and split the combined prizes of P17,000.
Actually, De Ramos could have won the title with a win over Yap with a superior tiebreak, but failed to get past the white-playing Yap.
Five players, led by Luffe Magdalaga and Karl Victor Ochoa, shared fourth to eighth places with seven points.
Joining Magdalaga and Ochoa were Ivan Gil Biag, Joseph Turqueza and
Andrew Delfin.
Richelieu Salcedo led four other players with 6.5 points.
With Salvador in ninth to 13th places were Emmanuel John Salazar, Lehi Dan Laceste, Joseph Mercado and James Ryan Fernandez, who also finished with 6.5 points.
In the girls division, Aices Salvador of La Salle, repeated as solo champion.
Salvador, the 17-year-old business management student, pounced the opening miscue by Asian Games campaigner Jedara Docena to hack out the win in their Pirc opening and retain the title with eight points out of a possible nine.
“Nagkamali siya kaagad siya sa opening pa lang, kaya sa middle game nakuha ko na ang panalo,” said Salvador.
Three players – Jan Jodilyn Fronda, Cherry Lyn Guiang and Marie Angeli Dimakiling – shared second to fourth places with seven points apiece.
Fronda outclassed WNM Kimberly Jane Cunanan, Guiang trounced Annie Montales, and Dimakiling whipped Rulp Ylem Jose in the ninth and final round.
Completing the top 11 finishers in the girls’ division were Ylem Jose, Christy Bernales and Jedara Docena, who finished with 6.5 points; and Ma. Zayrah dela Cruz, Eden Tumbos, Cheyzer Mendoza, Abnie Montales, Cunanan, Andrea Ibanez, Romelin Guerra and Mikee Charlene Suede, who had six points.
NCFP officials Red Dumuk, Willie Abalos and Gene Poliarco awarded the trophies and cash prizes to the winners in the absence of Rep. Pichay and Mayor Tolentino.
By NCFP Reporter, 11 May 2007
Final standings
Boys
8.5 points - Wesley So
7.5 - K. Yap, J de Ramos
7.0 - L. Magdalaga, I. Biag, K. Ochoa, J. Turqueza, A. Delfin
6.5 - Richielieu Salcedo Emmanuel John Salazar Lehi Dan Laceste Joseph Mercado James Ryan Fernandez
Girls
8.0 points – A.Salvador
7.0 - J. Fronda, C. Guiang, M. Dimakiling
6.5 - Y.Jose, C. Bernales, J. Docena
6.0 - Z. Dela Cruz, E. Tumbos, C. Mendoza, A. Montales, K. Cunanan, A. Ibanez, C. Anabieza, R. Guerra, M. Suede
GM-candidate Wesley So made chess history by becoming the youngest-ever champion in the 2007 National Junior Chess Championship which came to a fitting end at the Marketplace Shopping Center in Mandaluyong City.
So, who is hoping to become the country’s youngest GM at age 13, outsteadied little-known James Bulicatin in a rook and bishop endgame to capture the championship in this prestigious competition organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) led by president and Team Unity senatorial candidate Rep. Prospero “Butch” Pichay and secretary-general and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
The incoming second year student of St. Francis of Assisi College-Bacoor, who handled the black side of a Queen’s Indian Opening, outwitted the Davao-based Bulicatin and turned a one-pawn edge in the tense endgame to a rousing victory.
Overall, So finished with eight wins and one draw against Julius Joseph de Ramos of NCAA champion Letran College in the eighth round.
It was So’s first national junior title, adding it to his earlier National Open triumph last December.
He also pocketed the top prize of P15,000 and trophy.
“Nakuha ko po sa tiyaga sa endgame. Lamang na kasi ako ng isang pawn at may dalawa pang passed pawns,” said So, who is also best remembered for winning the gold medal in the recent Asian Cities chess team championship held in Tehran, Iran.
De Ramos and Kim Steven Yap of Cebu emerged tied for second to third places with 7.5 points each and split the combined prizes of P17,000.
Actually, De Ramos could have won the title with a win over Yap with a superior tiebreak, but failed to get past the white-playing Yap.
Five players, led by Luffe Magdalaga and Karl Victor Ochoa, shared fourth to eighth places with seven points.
Joining Magdalaga and Ochoa were Ivan Gil Biag, Joseph Turqueza and
Andrew Delfin.
Richelieu Salcedo led four other players with 6.5 points.
With Salvador in ninth to 13th places were Emmanuel John Salazar, Lehi Dan Laceste, Joseph Mercado and James Ryan Fernandez, who also finished with 6.5 points.
In the girls division, Aices Salvador of La Salle, repeated as solo champion.
Salvador, the 17-year-old business management student, pounced the opening miscue by Asian Games campaigner Jedara Docena to hack out the win in their Pirc opening and retain the title with eight points out of a possible nine.
“Nagkamali siya kaagad siya sa opening pa lang, kaya sa middle game nakuha ko na ang panalo,” said Salvador.
Three players – Jan Jodilyn Fronda, Cherry Lyn Guiang and Marie Angeli Dimakiling – shared second to fourth places with seven points apiece.
Fronda outclassed WNM Kimberly Jane Cunanan, Guiang trounced Annie Montales, and Dimakiling whipped Rulp Ylem Jose in the ninth and final round.
Completing the top 11 finishers in the girls’ division were Ylem Jose, Christy Bernales and Jedara Docena, who finished with 6.5 points; and Ma. Zayrah dela Cruz, Eden Tumbos, Cheyzer Mendoza, Abnie Montales, Cunanan, Andrea Ibanez, Romelin Guerra and Mikee Charlene Suede, who had six points.
NCFP officials Red Dumuk, Willie Abalos and Gene Poliarco awarded the trophies and cash prizes to the winners in the absence of Rep. Pichay and Mayor Tolentino.
UAE News / Khaleej Times
Khaleej Times has published on Friday, 11 May 2007, FCPL's chess tournament dubbed as "The Consul General Chess Cup 2007".
For those of you have failed to get a copy of the leading newspaper in the UAE on Friday, here is the detailed report:
Chess for a cause
By A Correspondent 11 May 2007
DUBAI - With the onset of the hot season, indoor activities are in the forefront. This month Reef Mall, in association with Filipino Chess League, will host a series of chess tournaments at the mall.
The Consul General Chess Cup 2007 will be held under the patronage of the Philippine Consulate in Dubai from May 18-26.
The objective for this tournament is to raise funds to support the Filipino distressed workers overseas.
The nine-day chess tournament will be divided into three categories. The FCPL rated chess tournament is exclusively for the FCPL (Filipino Chess Players League) officers and rated players. The second category will be Open Junior Rapid Tournament for players 16 years and below (all nationalities) and the third category will be Open Senior Rapid Tournament for players 17 years & above (all nationalities).
Commenting on the activities, Abbasa Hameed Al Azzawi, Marketing Support Manager, Reef Mall, said, “May is definitely becoming a season for chess at Reef Mall. We always support activities that our customers enjoy and especially when they are for a good cause.”
Khaleej Times has published on Friday, 11 May 2007, FCPL's chess tournament dubbed as "The Consul General Chess Cup 2007".
For those of you have failed to get a copy of the leading newspaper in the UAE on Friday, here is the detailed report:
Chess for a cause
By A Correspondent 11 May 2007
DUBAI - With the onset of the hot season, indoor activities are in the forefront. This month Reef Mall, in association with Filipino Chess League, will host a series of chess tournaments at the mall.
The Consul General Chess Cup 2007 will be held under the patronage of the Philippine Consulate in Dubai from May 18-26.
The objective for this tournament is to raise funds to support the Filipino distressed workers overseas.
The nine-day chess tournament will be divided into three categories. The FCPL rated chess tournament is exclusively for the FCPL (Filipino Chess Players League) officers and rated players. The second category will be Open Junior Rapid Tournament for players 16 years and below (all nationalities) and the third category will be Open Senior Rapid Tournament for players 17 years & above (all nationalities).
Commenting on the activities, Abbasa Hameed Al Azzawi, Marketing Support Manager, Reef Mall, said, “May is definitely becoming a season for chess at Reef Mall. We always support activities that our customers enjoy and especially when they are for a good cause.”
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Joey starts super GM bid in US this month
By Marlon BernardinoCebu Daily NewsLast updated 12:51pm (Mla time) 05/02/2007
The country’s top Grandmaster (GM) Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. will leave for the US this month to compete in a series of chess tournaments there as part of his ambitious bid to become the Philippines’ second “super grandmaster”.
A chess player needs to obtain an Elo Fide rating of at least 2600 to become a super GM.
Mark Paragua became the country’s first ever super GM when he breached the 2600 mark April of last year. Paragua, however, failed to maintain his position due to a series of dismal results in his past tournaments. He recorded his highest Elo rating of 2621 in April 2006.
The 45-year-old Antonio beat fellow GMs Eugene Torre and Paragua in the latest RP-Fide rating list with 2539 points. Torre and Paragua had identical 2532 Elo points.
According to Antonio, his first stop is the US circuit is the 2007 Chicago Open on May 25 to 28 in Oak Brook, Illinois. He will then fly to Las Vegas, Nevada in June for the National Open then go to Philadelphia for the World Open in July.
The 12-time National Open champion said he has been invited to the above tournaments so he grabbed the chance to enhance his rating points.
“Sana ipagdasal n’yo po akong manalo (I hope you will pray for my success there),” Antonio, the country’s top performer in the 2006 Turin World Chess Olympiad in Italy, said.
Antonio is fresh from a runner-up finish in the tough 2007 Bangkok Chess Club (BCC) Open in Phuket, Thailand and lifted RP-Tagaytay City to a strong second place finish in this year’s Asian Cities Chess Championships in Teheran, Iran.
By Marlon BernardinoCebu Daily NewsLast updated 12:51pm (Mla time) 05/02/2007
The country’s top Grandmaster (GM) Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. will leave for the US this month to compete in a series of chess tournaments there as part of his ambitious bid to become the Philippines’ second “super grandmaster”.
A chess player needs to obtain an Elo Fide rating of at least 2600 to become a super GM.
Mark Paragua became the country’s first ever super GM when he breached the 2600 mark April of last year. Paragua, however, failed to maintain his position due to a series of dismal results in his past tournaments. He recorded his highest Elo rating of 2621 in April 2006.
The 45-year-old Antonio beat fellow GMs Eugene Torre and Paragua in the latest RP-Fide rating list with 2539 points. Torre and Paragua had identical 2532 Elo points.
According to Antonio, his first stop is the US circuit is the 2007 Chicago Open on May 25 to 28 in Oak Brook, Illinois. He will then fly to Las Vegas, Nevada in June for the National Open then go to Philadelphia for the World Open in July.
The 12-time National Open champion said he has been invited to the above tournaments so he grabbed the chance to enhance his rating points.
“Sana ipagdasal n’yo po akong manalo (I hope you will pray for my success there),” Antonio, the country’s top performer in the 2006 Turin World Chess Olympiad in Italy, said.
Antonio is fresh from a runner-up finish in the tough 2007 Bangkok Chess Club (BCC) Open in Phuket, Thailand and lifted RP-Tagaytay City to a strong second place finish in this year’s Asian Cities Chess Championships in Teheran, Iran.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
No bid to limit visit visa holders from UAE entry
By: Criselda E. Diala/Khaleej Times/6 May 2007
DUBAI - The Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) has clarified an earlier report on entry limit for visit visa holders, a top official of the Philippine Consulate General (PCG), told Khaleej Times.
The issue that visit visa holders are supposedly limited to only three consecutive visit visa entries to the UAE has become a concern for the Philippine community, particularly since a substantial number of Filipinos enter the country frequently on visit visa.
Philippine Consul-General Antonio S. Curameng said he spoke with Brigadier Mohammad Ahmad Al Marri, DNRD Director, to clarify the matter after four Filipinos were held and questioned at the Terminal 2 of the Dubai International Airport (DIA) last month while returning for a visa change trip to Kish Island.
“Brigadier Al Marri has personally informed me that there is no such policy limiting visit visa holders from entering the country. As long as a tourist is 18-years-old and above, and has a valid UAE visit visa, he or she can enter the country any time,” said Curameng.
He also echoed the DNRD official’s comments that the report published in the local Press about the alleged immigration limitation was wrong. “That (report) has actually caused further confusion not just within the Filipino community, but perhaps in other expatriate communities here as well,' the consul-general added.
Last month, the PCG intervened in a case involving four Filipinos who have renewed their visit visas several times, one of whom has been frequently changing her visa for the past two years. The Filipinos were eventually allowed to pass through the immigration procedures.
Curameng then sent an official communication to DNRD to clarify the issue. “I am glad that Brigadier Al Marri has responded to our request and straightened the facts,” he said.
By: Criselda E. Diala/Khaleej Times/6 May 2007
DUBAI - The Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) has clarified an earlier report on entry limit for visit visa holders, a top official of the Philippine Consulate General (PCG), told Khaleej Times.
The issue that visit visa holders are supposedly limited to only three consecutive visit visa entries to the UAE has become a concern for the Philippine community, particularly since a substantial number of Filipinos enter the country frequently on visit visa.
Philippine Consul-General Antonio S. Curameng said he spoke with Brigadier Mohammad Ahmad Al Marri, DNRD Director, to clarify the matter after four Filipinos were held and questioned at the Terminal 2 of the Dubai International Airport (DIA) last month while returning for a visa change trip to Kish Island.
“Brigadier Al Marri has personally informed me that there is no such policy limiting visit visa holders from entering the country. As long as a tourist is 18-years-old and above, and has a valid UAE visit visa, he or she can enter the country any time,” said Curameng.
He also echoed the DNRD official’s comments that the report published in the local Press about the alleged immigration limitation was wrong. “That (report) has actually caused further confusion not just within the Filipino community, but perhaps in other expatriate communities here as well,' the consul-general added.
Last month, the PCG intervened in a case involving four Filipinos who have renewed their visit visas several times, one of whom has been frequently changing her visa for the past two years. The Filipinos were eventually allowed to pass through the immigration procedures.
Curameng then sent an official communication to DNRD to clarify the issue. “I am glad that Brigadier Al Marri has responded to our request and straightened the facts,” he said.
NCFP Age-Group Chess Championship
Florendo, Salvador share chess limelight
NCFP/Tuesday, 8 May 2007
PAULO James Florendo and Aices Salvador shared the limelight by winning the boys’ and girls’ 18 years old and under categories in the 2007 National Age-Group chess championships at the Marketplace Shopping Mall in Mandaluyong City.
Florendo outduelled Jesus Alfonso Datu in the ninth and final round to emerge as the solo winner in the centerpiece boys’ 18 years old and under. Florendo finished with a nine-round total of seven points.
Ivan Gil Biag and Andrew Delfin drew their match to share second to sixth places with Datu, Nelson Mariano III and Leo Daylo Jr. with 6.5 points.
Salvador defeated Ronna Sanora to capture the title in the girls’ 18 and under class.
Marie Angeli Dimakiling outplayed Cerlin Anabieza, while Ylen Jose downed Roxanne Olarte to share second to third places with 5.5 points.
Even more impressive were Jan Emmanuel Garcia, who swept all his nine matches to capture the boys’ 12 years old and under title; and John Fleer Donguines, who won all seven games in the boys’ 8 and under.
Click here to read the full story.
Florendo, Salvador share chess limelight
NCFP/Tuesday, 8 May 2007
PAULO James Florendo and Aices Salvador shared the limelight by winning the boys’ and girls’ 18 years old and under categories in the 2007 National Age-Group chess championships at the Marketplace Shopping Mall in Mandaluyong City.
Florendo outduelled Jesus Alfonso Datu in the ninth and final round to emerge as the solo winner in the centerpiece boys’ 18 years old and under. Florendo finished with a nine-round total of seven points.
Ivan Gil Biag and Andrew Delfin drew their match to share second to sixth places with Datu, Nelson Mariano III and Leo Daylo Jr. with 6.5 points.
Salvador defeated Ronna Sanora to capture the title in the girls’ 18 and under class.
Marie Angeli Dimakiling outplayed Cerlin Anabieza, while Ylen Jose downed Roxanne Olarte to share second to third places with 5.5 points.
Even more impressive were Jan Emmanuel Garcia, who swept all his nine matches to capture the boys’ 12 years old and under title; and John Fleer Donguines, who won all seven games in the boys’ 8 and under.
Click here to read the full story.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
The Consul General Chess Cup 2007
The Consul General Chess Cup 2007
The tournament will be held from 18 to 26 May 2007 in Reef Mall, Dubai and at stake is the Consul General's Cup plus trophies, medals, cash prizes, chess materials and gift items.
Categories:
1. FCPL 1st Rated Chess Tournament (exclusive to FCPL Officers & Rated Players only) / 1900 hrs - 2230 hrs
2. Open Junior Rapid Tournament (Open to all nationality aged 16 and below) / 1900 hrs - 2000 hrs
3. Open Senior Rapid Tournament (Open to al nationality aged 17 and above) / 2030 hrs - 2130 hrs
Playing Conditions:
Category 1 - 9 Round Swiss System, 90 mins + 30 secs increment
Category 2 - 9 Round Swiss System, 20 mins + 10 secs increment
Category 3 - 9 Round Swiss System, 20 mins + 10 secs increment
Daily Programme:
The chief arbiter will announce the daily programme prior to the competition in accordance with the tournament schedule.
Arbitration & Appeal Committee:
The chief arbiter and the organising committee will appoint the arbitration team and the appeal committee will be selected subject to the provisions of FIDE rules and regulation.
Registration:
Registration is free. Please download and fill out this form below and submit to the Chairman of FCPL Chapters in your respective area before 10 May 2007 or contact the following:
FCPL-Dubai Chairman: Ernie Yap (Mobile No. +971 50 7182070)
FCPL-Sharjah Chairman: Alexius Valerio (Mobile No. +971 50 7964468)
FCPL-RAK Chairman: Lino Fabrigas (Mobile No. +971 50 5792724)
FCPL-UAE President: Marz Marcial (Mobile No. +971 50 8618734) / email at marzfcpluae@yahoo.com
Make the right move...join FCPL now and enjoy playing Chess !!!
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
9th Dubai Open Chess Championship
Four Grandmasters tied for first after the final round of the 9th Dubai Open Chess Championship held at the Dubai Chess & Culture Club from 22 to 30 April 2007 with a total prize fund of US$45,000.
Among the 126 players from 24 countries, including 29 Grandmasters , 18 International Masters , 25 FIDE Masters, GMs Levan Pantsulaia (2616) of Georgia, Amir Bagheri (2481) of Iran, Gadir Guseinov (2586) and Sarha Guliev (2486) of Azerbaija clinched the Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Cup with a high score of 7 points each.
Other elite grandmansters who have made it to the magic 10 honour rolls were GMs Tamaz Gelashvili (2605) of Georgia, Darmen Sadvakasov (2618) of Khazakistan, Susanto Megaranto (2530) of Indonesia, Ashot Anastasian (2552) of Armenia, Ghaem Maghami Ehsan (2599) of Iran and Mikheil Mchedlishvili (2609) of Georgia with 6.5 points each.
The event was a great success not only for the winners but also for the Filipino chessers who have tested their skills and had a brilliant game against super grandmasters and distiguished international masters.
Among the Filipino woodpushers who have proved their skills and displayed thier exceptional talents were National Master Rustum Tolentino (2261) who finished with 4.5 points, FIDE Master Antonio Molina (2196) with 4.0 points, Ernie Yap (2067) with 3.5 points and Axel Valerio (1861) with 2.5 points. The elo points they have gained and the learning experience they have obtained from this strong tournament is beyond a victory they deserve.
Congratulations to Rutum, Tony, Ernie and Axel on behalf of the Filipino Chess Players League!!!
*****************************************************************************
TOURNAMENT PHOTO
Philippine National Master Rustum Tolentino
FIDE Master Antonio Molina
FIDE Rated Player Ernie Yap
FIDE Rated Player Axel John Valerio (12 years old, the next grandmaster in the making)
FIDE International Arbiter Toti Abundo
